As 2011 wraps up in a few hours, I wanted to look back on my 2011 Resolutions and list out my 2012 Resolutions. Last year, I wrote the following: "As I look back on how things turned out over the past few years, I classify those periods as the following: 2009 was a year of hurt, 2010 was a year of healing, and 2011 will be a year of living...living, loving, and appreciating life more than ever before." Standing here a year later, I could not agree more.
Below were the resolutions I wrote for 2011 and commentary is included in green:
- Exercise more: Youth is amazing. Your metabolism works like a little hamster running in its wheel. We all know it will catch up to us one day, though, and I want to be prepared for that day. My goal is to run 3 miles with out stopping. I would also like to tone up my arms, abs, and glutes. Better health in general is a good selling point, too. - I did exercise more, especially during the first half of the year. Although I did not make it to 3 miles, I did manage to get up to 2-2.5 miles without stopping. I'm still proud of making it that far, and I'm not finished with it yet.
- Pass the CPA exam: It's a beast. You can do it. First time around! - CHECK!!!!!!!!
- Capture the memories: I can spend hours looking at old photographs. They are priceless, and I want to take more pictures to remember these days. Maybe I will try to also write more entries here and fill them with photos. It would probably make this blog more interesting... - This was a great resolution that I'm so glad I kept. I did the 30-Day Photo Challenge in May, and I took so many pictures of my senior year in college, I don't feel like I missed much.
- Cook more: Learn new dishes, and make them with style. Taste remains the most important factor, but serving beautiful dishes is an art. - I learned maybe 3 or 4 new dishes this year. The result is not as impressive as initially hoped for, but we'll say I met this one to some degree.
- Get a boyfriend: I know, I know. This sounds terrible, like a I'm a desperate, naive, hopeless, pitiful, little girl. Whether this is true or not, I wrote this down because I want to be more open to dating. I've guarded myself for a long time. Granted, I know it was the right thing to do because I wasn't ready to date again. I'm ready now, though. I am a bit picky when it comes to guys, but I believe I will find someone who is worth waiting for. - I honestly did not believe I would go on a date with any guy this past year, but who knew that I'd blow this one out of the water lol. A few weeks ago, I did speed dating for the first time in my life. I guess I "dated" 17 guys in 2 hours...We can debate on the technicality of it, but It was a fun experience, nonetheless. I'm glad I did it.
- Continue exercising: I still want to reach that 3 mile mark. The most difficult obstacle that stands in the way is finding the time and motivation to exercise during busy times at work. My cousin, L, also recommended I try Ashtanga Yoga. I'm still debating about whether to get a gym membership, but from what I hear, there are usually special deals in January...If all else fails, there's also Zumba dvds!
- Learn to use my camera: I received a Nikon dSLR as a graduation present. It's really awesome, but I want to learn about all of the features that a tricked out camera like that holds. I've seen friends post photos and projects they've done, and I love looking at them. Hopefully, I'll turn this into a serious hobby.
- Make macarons: Macarons are one of the hardest desserts to make. They look so delicate, and achieving the right texture is not easy. I've made a few batches over the past few months. They either ended up too sweet or not the right texture. This one is going to be a tough one, though.
- Find what I'm passionate about: I was talking to one of my friends from high school, M, and when I told him that I wasn't currently passionate about my job, he made it a mini life goal to help me discover what I do have a passion for. It was funny to watch M get so riled up over this, but I will admit, it got me thinking. Life can be extremely interesting and meaningful if we make it that way.
- Open my heart: I will continue my previous resolution of getting a boyfriend lol. I've been pretty open lately to getting to know people and going out on dates. The next step is actually letting someone get close, which is not something I do very often. Going on the premise that I do find a guy that I like, I want to try to give him a fair chance and not compare him to my past.
